Chien-Ming Wang out for Red Sox as Yankees try quick fix

Chien-Ming Wang was dropped from the rotation for the Yankees' three-game series with the Red Sox this weekend, even though the struggling righthander still clamored for the ball.

"I certainly do not want to skip a start. This is my job, I want to do my job," Wang said through an interpreter at the Stadium before Monday night's game was rained out.

Wang, who was slated to pitch the series opener Friday in Boston, will be replaced by Joba Chamberlain on Friday, with A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte getting the ball on Saturday and Sunday. Pettitte will also start against the A's today.

The move had been debated in meetings between Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman. Wang lasted just 1-1/3 innings against the Indians, giving up eight hits and eight runs in a 22-4 loss at the Stadium. In three starts, he is 0-3 with a 34.50 ERA.

"The biggest thing is that we have to get this guy right," Girardi said. "He's too good of a pitcher to pitch the way he's pitched the past three games."

Monday's rainout and an off-day on Thursday gave the Yankees enough flexibility to juggle their rotation.

Wang threw a bullpen session in the indoor batting cage yesterday as pitching coach Dave Eiland tried to straighten out his mechanics. A minor league stint seems out of the question. Wang is out of options, and every team besides the Yankees would have a chance to acquire him off waivers for $20,000.